Pat Carrigan, the Broncos star, has dismissed concerns about a facial laceration impacting his availability for the State of Origin series opener. Despite suffering a significant lip injury during a game against the Dragons, which required 30 stitches, Carrigan declared himself fit and ready to play, aiming to avenge last year's series defeat.

Carrigan sustained the injury from a head clash late in the game. Initially, he wasn't overly concerned until he noticed the reaction of the Dragons players. He received immediate jaw assessment and later went to the hospital for treatment. He humorously recounted a phone call with Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater, who found Carrigan's impaired speech amusing due to the injury.

Carrigan emphasized the importance of wearing a mouth guard, suggesting it prevented even more severe damage. He acknowledged the gruesome nature of the injury, which was widely circulated in video form. He plans to manage contact in early training sessions but will be fully committed during live play and the upcoming match.

Reflecting on last year’s series defeat, Carrigan expressed a strong desire to rectify past shortcomings. He also confirmed that his Broncos teammate, Payne Haas, would be available for the Blues despite a minor quad issue. Carrigan recalled the defensive challenges faced in the previous decider, where Queensland made significantly more tackles than the Blues, who dominated in post-contact meters and offloads, controlling much of the game's territory.

With Tino Fa’asuamealui returning to the Origin squad, Carrigan is confident that the team has the necessary components to reverse last year's outcome. He acknowledged the significance of the stadium, having experienced both victory and defeat in past deciders there. Carrigan conveyed that the team is aware of the criticisms they face and are prepared to confront them head-on. He asserted that the selected players are ready to compete fiercely and are motivated to correct the wrongs of the previous year.

Queensland Maroons Game One squad:

1. Kalyn Ponga; 2. Xavier Coates; 3. Robert Toia; 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; 5. Valentine Holmes; 6. Cameron Munster; 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c); 8. Moeaki Fotuaika; 9. Harry Grant; 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui; 11. Reuben Cotter; 12. Jeremiah Nanai; 13. Pat Carrigan; 14. Tom Dearden; 15. Lindsay Collins; 16. Beau Fermor; 17. Trent Loiero; 18. Kurt Mann; 19. Jesse Arthars; 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki